The SBB Research Group Foundation named Christal Mae Concepcion Dita a recipient of its STEM scholarship. The $2,500 award empowers students to create value for society by pursuing higher learning through interdisciplinary combinations of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Christal Dita, a junior, studies Biotechnology and Zoology at North Carolina State University. Previously, Dita worked alongside Ph.D. students at the Peng Lab at North Carolina State University's College of Veterinary Medicine to investigate how genetic variations affect immunity. She is also a recipient of PixelPlex's STEM Scholarship for an essay reflecting on the "publish or perish" issue in academic scientific research and how augmented reality can be used as a potential solution. "Christal is a dedicated and impressive young scientist, and we are thrilled to support her work with this scholarship," said Matt Aven, co-founder and board member of the SBB Research Group Foundation. For eligibility criteria and more information on the Foundation’s STEM scholarship, please visit www.sbbscholarship.org. This story can be found on PR Web

The SBB Research Group Foundation is proud to announce the continued success of Alison Witwer after receiving the STEM Scholarship in 2022. The $2,500 award empowers students to create value for society by pursuing higher learning through interdisciplinary combinations of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Witwer received the SBB Research Group Foundation STEM Scholarship during her junior year at Western Washington University (WWU) while pursuing a degree in Biology with a Molecular and Cellular emphasis. Since receiving the scholarship, Witwer continued working as an undergraduate research assistant and was promoted to Lead Chemistry Tutor at the WWU Tutoring Center. She received funding from Seagen to investigate the localization of RNAi factors in Tetrahymena Thermophila within the Lee Lab as part of WWU’s Summer Undergraduate Research Program. Witwer also presented her research findings at conferences. Witwer plans to become a teacher after finishing her degree. “Alison’s dedication to STEM education is admirable, and we’re thrilled that our scholarship played a role in the support of a future STEM teacher,” said Matt Aven, co-founder and board member of the SBB Research Group Foundation. The SBB Research Group Foundation is honored to have played a role in Witwer’s success. We look forward to continuing to support outstanding students in STEM and helping her achieve her full potential. For eligibility criteria and more information on the Foundation’s STEM scholarship, please visit www.sbbscholarship.org. This story can be found on GlobeNewswire

The Outreach House received a $5,000 grant from the SBB Research Group Foundation, which awards monthly grants to support impactful organizations. The Outreach House, a nonprofit organization operating in the York Township area, provides support to individuals and families. Its initiatives facilitate access to nourishing food, diapers, hygiene products for infants, clothing suitable for all age groups, and emergency financial assistance. "We want to allow people to benefit from our services with as much dignity as we can provide them," said Catherine Lynott, Executive Director of the Outreach House. The Outreach House's unique space mimics what you typically see in a grocery store and allows an authentic shopping experience for its guests. "We are proud of the space we have created. Our ADA-compliant building allows accessibility for everyone to shop without limits. We want to continue to grow and to serve whoever needs our help," said Catherine Lynott. Recently, the Outreach House has seen significant growth in households benefiting from its programs due to increased operating hours and an expanded service area to include other nearby towns. “It is great to see an organization think beyond essential items by focusing on people. We are honored to support the Outreach House,” said Matt Aven, co-founder and board member of the SBB Research Group Foundation. The organization will use the SBB Research Group Foundation grant to provide resources to support existing guests and respond to the growing number of new guests in need. This story can be found on GlobeNewswire and Yahoo!

The SBB Research Group Foundation named Nickeisha Cuthbert a recipient of its STEM scholarship. The $2,500 award empowers students to create value for society by pursuing higher learning through interdisciplinary combinations of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Nickeisha Cuthbert, a senior, studies Biotechnology at Clafin University. Recently, she participated in the summer undergraduate research program at the Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, where she conducted fundamental research on pathological biomarkers and the effects of an innately produced enzyme on muscle and glucose activity. Cuthbert also secured a grant to support research determining the category of antibiotics being produced by bacteria from the South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities organization. "Nickeisha is such an impressive emerging scientist. I'm so excited we could support her through this scholarship," said Matt Aven, co-founder and board member of the SBB Research Group Foundation. For eligibility criteria and more information on the Foundation’s STEM scholarship, please visit www.sbbscholarship.org. This story can be found on PR Web

The SBB Research Group Foundation recognizes three Chicago-area charities as the June 2023 finalists of its monthly grant program supporting impactful nonprofits (in alphabetical order): Fun with Chess Community Services (Chicago) works with children and teens residing in violence-affected neighborhoods and schools. The organization enables these young people to enhance their decision-making abilities and engage in competitive activities through the power of chess. Roberti Community House (RCH) (Waukegan) is a haven where people can gather to share a meal and provide support and understanding in the heart of its kitchen. Through impactful programs and education, RCH uplifts and benefits the community by leveraging each individual’s strengths. Youth Build Lake County (North Chicago) empowers disadvantaged young adults in Lake County by providing cost-free education and training in essential life skills, enabling them to improve their prospects for successful careers and further education. These programs equip individuals with a high school diploma, industry credentials, career readiness skills, and practical experience. The Foundation encourages any 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to apply for a grant at sbbrg.org/apply-for-grant. Donations are awarded to different organizations monthly. This story can be found on Business Wire

YouthBuild Lake County received a $5,000 grant from the SBB Research Group Foundation, which awards monthly grants to support impactful organizations. YouthBuild Lake County empowers young adults through free programs that provide education, training, and essential life skills. Its holistic approach to teaching and career advancement opens doors to success by offering high school diplomas, industry certifications, career readiness skills, and hands-on experience to overcome challenges and create opportunities. Situated in North Chicago, a significant population of young adults between the ages of 17 and 24 confront the long-lasting pattern of poverty. The organization fully commits to breaking this cycle and consistently provides support and resources. YouthBuild Lake County enhances career readiness through specialized training in resume building, interviews, workplace ethics, and communication skills, equipping participants for success. They gain practical experience by partnering with local businesses and applying skills in real-world settings to reinforce knowledge and build confidence. “YouthBuild is well deserving of this grant, as it greatly improves the lives of these young adults and the community as a whole,” said Matt Aven, co-founder and board member of the SBB Research Group Foundation. The organization also addresses members’ emotional, and well-being needs through an on-site wellness program specific to the North Chicago location. YouthBuild Lake County is committed to providing continuous support to its members. Through follow-up services, the organization ensures ongoing growth and development. Jennifer Olson, Senior Director of Finance and Development, affirms, "YouthBuild extends its support indefinitely. Once you become part of the YouthBuild family, we are here for you whenever you need us." This story can be found on GlobeNewswire and Yahoo!

The SBB Research Group Foundation named Lucy Huo a recipient of its STEM scholarship. The $2,500 award empowers students to create value for society by pursuing higher learning through interdisciplinary combinations of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Lucy Huo, a sophomore, studies Electrical & Computer Engineering and Computer Science at Duke University. Recently, Huo interned at Optum Health to develop a web dashboard using SQL, C#, Angular, Typescript, and HTML. She has also worked with a team to design, build, and test an ant-weight combat robot in accordance with the SPARC Robotics guidelines. "We're so proud to support students like Lucy in their academic endeavors," said Matt Aven, co-founder and board member of the SBB Research Group Foundation. For eligibility criteria and more information on the Foundation’s STEM scholarship, please visit www.sbbscholarship.org. This story can be found on Yahoo!

Rustic Falls Nature Camp received a $5,000 grant from the SBB Research Group Foundation, which awards monthly grants to support impactful organizations. Rustic Falls Nature Camp operates as a nonprofit organization aiming to establish a wholesome and rejuvenating setting for individuals navigating through life's toughest moments. Its primary objective is to provide a secure and nurturing environment where children and their families can find respite from the daily pressures and challenges they face. “Our goal is to work with as many different groups as possible to allow them to get out in nature and have a 'time-out' from some of life's most challenging times. It gives people a place to reset and recharge,” said President and Camp Director Deanna Hallagan. The camp is eighty-nine acres, including two houses, a barn, and a central waterfall with plenty of open trails to explore. Groups are provided with a customized camp experience tailored to their unique needs. “It's nice to see people just take a breath and not feel the pressure of outside stressors. It's a safe space for everyone,” said Hallagan. The camp continues to grow and thrive through its strong partnerships with hospitals, schools, and nonprofit agencies throughout the Midwest. They welcome all who wish to experience a nurturing and peaceful space in a beautiful landscape. “Rustic Falls offers a great way for people who are going through a difficult time to recharge and get their bearings,” said Matt Aven, co-founder and board member of the SBB Research Group Foundation. Rustic Falls Nature Camp is dedicated to covering all costs for visiting families and children. The organization will use the SBB Research Group Foundation grant to host more groups for day trips and overnights at the camp this summer and through the fall season. This story can be found on GlobeNewswire and Yahoo!

The SBB Research Group Foundation recognizes three Chicago-area charities as the March 2023 finalists of its monthly grant program supporting impactful nonprofits (in alphabetical order): Rustic Falls Nature Camp (Skokie) creates a therapeutic environment for people during life's most challenging times. They provide a safe, nurturing space for children and their families to break from the pressures of their everyday lives, providing a comforting and calming place for people going through tough times. Winnetka Youth Organization (Winnetka) seeks to foster individual development in adolescents by providing adult-to-youth mentoring with opportunities for leadership, citizenship, and education in a positive, encouraging environment. They support the personal growth of young people by offering mentoring from adults to adolescents. You Are Enough (Deerfield) aims to eliminate the stigma around mental health and remind those struggling that they are not alone by leveraging the power of local communities. The Foundation encourages any 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to apply for a grant at sbbrg.org/apply-for-grant. Donations are awarded to different organizations monthly. This story can be found on GlobeNewswire

The SBB Research Group Foundation named Leah Davis a recipient of its STEM scholarship. The $2,500 award empowers students to create value for society by pursuing higher learning through interdisciplinary combinations of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Leah Davis, a senior, studies marine biology at the University of Washington. Her contributions to research studying the myostatin gene pathway in salmonids provided implications for how to best facilitate aquaculture. She also played a significant role in a research project studying Pacific herring in the Puget Sound, the results of which will inform conservation efforts for depleted populations. Additionally, she serves as a mentor for Makah tribal fifth graders in the Riverways Program. Recently, Davis started working on a project in cooperation with tribal, state, and federal entities studying Chinook salmon distribution in nearshore habitats in the Strait of Juan de Fuca. "Leah is not only dedicated to implementing the knowledge she gains in class but spreading that knowledge to others. We're thrilled to support her in her efforts," said Matt Aven, co-founder and board member of the SBB Research Group Foundation. For eligibility criteria and more information on the Foundation’s STEM scholarship, please visit www.sbbscholarship.org. This story can be found on Yahoo! and PR Web